Chapter 124: Playing the Submissive Husband Before His Wife

Gu Pingsheng clenched his fist and pressed it tightly against his stomach. "...Help me back first."

Ye Lanzhou stepped forward to assist him, his tone three parts mocking and seven parts worried: "Some people, they talk a big game, yet in the end, they still end up acting meek and submissive in front of their own wife."

"I don't recall you being this long-winded before," Gu Pingsheng said in a low, heavy voice.

Seeing the unbearable pain on his face, Ye Lanzhou didn't bother to bicker with him over his sharp tongue.

A staff member who had gone outside to make a call witnessed this scene. Upon returning, he offhandedly remarked: "Mr. Gu doesn't seem to be feeling well; he was helped away by a friend."

A few colleagues chimed in with some casual gossip about the matter, but nothing more was said.

Wen Zhixia paused, her hand hovering over the receiver.

Gu Pingsheng was the type who would put on a show of suffering over the slightest ache or pain just to make her feel sorry for him, yet if something truly serious happened, he would keep his mouth shut tighter than anyone else.

According to his twisted logic—a man’s problems should not be something his woman needs to worry about.

"Tired?"

In the car, Xu Qichen looked at Wen Zhixia, who was leaning against the seat back, lost in her own thoughts, and asked in a low voice.

Wen Zhixia rubbed her neck and nodded. "Mm, a little."

Xu Qichen placed his large palm on her shoulder and neck. "If you're tired, rest for a while. I’ll wake you when we arrive."

***

Hospital.

The doctor looked at Gu Pingsheng, who was hooked up to an IV, and wrote in the medical record: "...A pre-existing stomach condition, combined with an irregular schedule and excessive alcohol consumption recently, has led to a perforated ulcer. It is no small feat that he even managed to remain conscious enough to make it to the hospital..."

To put it bluntly, he had been stubbornly enduring it himself; an ordinary person likely would have collapsed long ago.

Ye Lanzhou listened, though the patient himself showed no self-awareness, acting as if nothing was wrong while replying to emails.

After the doctor left, Ye Lanzhou glanced at him. "You've been putting yourself through this for three years. Keep at it for another two, and you might end up looking even more like a sickly weakling than Xu Qichen."

Perhaps the term "sickly weakling" struck a nerve. After finishing an email, Gu Pingsheng actually set his tablet aside. "Did Hua Qianjiao not give you any sweet rewards, that your mouth is this venomous?"

Ye Lanzhou gave a mocking, insincere laugh, his words laden with subtext: "The one who made the mistake was Qing Qi, not me. Naturally, she wouldn't hold any grudges against me."

This theory applied perfectly to the situation involving Wen Zhixia, Gu Pingsheng, and Xu Qichen.

Gu Pingsheng shot him a cold look. "Go back where you came from; don't be an eyesore here."

His tone was blunt, his disdain clearly visible.

Ye Lanzhou chuckled. "What a nasty temper. Serves you right to be in pain. I'm leaving."

***

The next day.

Zhou Anbei stepped into the CEO's office. "Mr. Gu, the Southwest Financial Satellite TV would like to invite you to appear on a talk show..."

Over the past three years, Gu Pingsheng rarely refused invitations from influential financial channels, provided the timing was right. Before entering, Zhou Anbei had checked Gu Pingsheng's recent schedule.

"The meeting with the head of the MR Group, scheduled for three to five in the afternoon two days from now, has been temporarily canceled. You have two hours of free time."

Gu Pingsheng had barely slept last night, and his head throbbed. "Cancel it."

Zhou Anbei was surprised, but as he walked out of the office, he suddenly thought of Wen Zhixia, who had returned. He slapped his forehead. He must have been too busy to remember—of course, with his wife back in the country, there was no need for Mr. Gu to go on TV interviews anymore.

***

Qing Group.

Before getting out of the car, Qing Qi was held back by Lin Huixi. As the car door stood open, the two shared a passionate kiss. Lin Huixi leaned against Qing Qi, panting, the scent of her perfume wafting under his nose.

Lately, Qing Qi had been depressed over breaking off his engagement with Hua Qianjiao, but after being "serviced" by Lin Huixi in bed and basking in her admiring gaze over the past few days, he had slowly begun to emerge from his slump.

He was the heir to the Qing family, a well-known young talent in Sifang City; would he ever be short of women?

Looking at his peers, he didn't think Hua Qianjiao could find anyone more suitable or excellent than him, but as a man, he could easily find a woman more gentle and understanding.

"I'll be waiting for you at home," Lin Huixi said, waving goodbye with feigned reluctance, her eyes filled with longing.

This perfectly satisfied the male pride that Qing Qi had lost with Hua Qianjiao.

Lin Huixi, naturally, would dote on him. Now that the Hua and Qing families had dissolved their engagement, as long as Qing Qi remained infatuated with her, she would be the most likely candidate to become the young mistress of the Qing family—a sparrow turning into a phoenix.

Qing Qi had shed his recent decadence. Yesterday, he had dined with a certain Deputy Director and was about to secure a major project, which would solidify his position in the group and show those who had begun to pick sides due to the appearance of the Qing family's second son—the illegitimate one—who the rightful heir truly was.

He strode into the group headquarters with high spirits, and the employees greeted him proactively.

In the elevator, he encountered a senior executive. "I hear the Young Master is about to land a big project. Truly young and promising."

"I am still young; I hope you seniors will provide plenty of guidance."

"You are too modest. You are full of vitality. In the future... it will be up to you to pull us old folks along."

The two exchanged pleasantries, appearing quite harmonious.

"You are in high spirits because of these happy events, but..." The executive glanced at his neck and said with a smile, "You should be more careful, lest the Chairman sees it. Hahaha."

Prompted by the executive, Qing Qi raised a hand to his neck, wiping away a smear of red lipstick. His expression soured.

*Ding—*

The elevator arrived. The executive held the door, smiling and nodding for Qing Qi to step out first.

Qing Qi thanked him, straightened his collar, and stepped out.

As the elevator doors closed, the executive headed toward his own office.

No sooner had Qing Qi appeared in his office than his assistant entered, looking excited.

Qing Qi was at the coffee machine brewing a cup. Seeing the assistant’s hurried demeanor, he scolded, "What is so urgent? Look at the state you're in."

The assistant calmed himself and smiled. "Great news! I heard that the Deputy Director you dined with yesterday has already assigned the project to our Qing Group! This is the biggest project the company has received in half a year, and you were the one who secured it. The Chairman will surely look at you with new eyes; that second son is nothing to worry about."

This was what Qing Qi had been hoping for. He wanted everyone—especially his father—to know clearly that the illegitimate son was not even half the man he was.

"You're sure?" Qing Qi asked, suppressing his excitement.

"Absolutely. Just now, the Chairman sent word for you to go to his office. If the project hadn't been secured, he wouldn't be calling you in at this hour. The Chairman arrived early this morning," the assistant said.

Though thrilled, Qing Qi tried to maintain his composure. He adjusted his tie and said, "Nothing is official yet, so let's not jump to conclusions. Wait until I see my father before spreading the word."

Assistant: "Young Master is truly talented. By landing such a big cake for the group this time, you will surely establish absolute authority, and no one will be able to shake your position."

Having worked under Qing Qi for years, the assistant naturally knew what he cared about.

Anyone who had expected to inherit the entire family business would naturally feel disgruntled if someone suddenly appeared to take a share.

"Alright, you may leave. I'm going to see my father now," Qing Qi said, waving his hand dismissively as if he didn't care.

Before heading to the Chairman's office, Qing Qi checked his reflection, ensuring everything was in order, and then opened the office door.

*Knock, knock, knock—*

A few knocks sounded. Qing’s father, who was on the phone, paused and glanced toward the door. "Enter."

"Father..." Qing Qi began, but his father raised a hand to stop him.

Qing Qi sat in a chair and waited. Once his father hung up the phone, he stood up again and sat opposite him. "My assistant said you were looking for me."

Qing’s father looked at him and pulled out a file. Qing Qi instinctively straightened his back. Because of the broken engagement with the Hua family, Qing Qi had been reprimanded at home quite often. Now that he had secured a major order no one else could, he felt he had finally cleared his name in front of his father.

However, the Chairman did not speak of any project. Instead, he said, "You've been working at the group for quite a few years now."

Qing Qi replied, "More than five years."

His father looked at him and placed the file on the desk. "Five years. It’s not a short time, but you haven't been able to achieve much for the group. These are your performance data from the past few years."

Qing Qi took a glance, his face stiffening. He hadn't expected this subject to come up. Because he felt he was the rightful heir, he hadn't truly put his heart into the group's affairs. "In the past... I was immature."

His father didn't say much. He pulled out another report from underneath. "This is your younger brother Yuping's work progress over the past few months. He is diligent and serious. Even the smallest project he takes on, he handles personally, and he has won universal acclaim."

It was only then that Qing Qi realized his father had long ago arranged for Qing Yuping to gain experience in the subsidiary companies, while he had been kept in the dark.

Qing Qi clenched his fists. He refused to admit that an illegitimate son was more capable than he was.

"I plan to transfer you to a subsidiary company to gain some experience. Go back and prepare," his father said in a deep voice.

Qing Qi jerked his head up, doubting his ears. "Transfer me to a subsidiary? Are you saying you want that illegitimate son to take my place?!"

He stood up excitedly, unable to accept the reality.

"The project you spent all day yesterday trying to secure—Yuping delivered the contract to me early this morning. He said nothing about it beforehand, while you made sure the whole group knew you were dining and chatting away with the Deputy Director. That is the difference between you two. The most taboo thing to do before success is to brag to outsiders," his father said.

Qing Qi was stunned. "You mean... he was the one who secured that project? That’s impossible!"

"Nothing is impossible. The contract is right here; how could it be fake? And another thing—the late grandfather of the Deputy Director was a sworn friend of Hua Qianjiao’s grandfather. Although the Deputy Director is known for being impartial, he would give the Hua family some face. If..."

Qing’s father was still furious mentioning this. "If you hadn't cut off your own path, securing this project today would have been easy. I went to great lengths to pave the way for you. Even if you were mediocre, you could have walked a smooth path. It was your own stubborn insistence on fooling around with that Lin Huixi that destroyed this marriage.

"One day, you will realize what you have lost."

Even though Hua Qianjiao had suffered from mental regression, her looks and family background were top-tier. Plus, even the doctors hadn't ruled out a recovery, and she had been injured saving him. Emotionally, logically, and for his future, it was the best possible alliance. Yet, he had acted as if he were possessed, insisting on his own way.

"Father!"

"This is the company. I am the Chairman first, and your father second. This is a decision made by the Board of Directors. Go back and prepare; the appointment will be announced shortly," his father said firmly.

Qing Qi had entered full of high spirits, but he left with a look of utter defeat.

***

What was even harder for him to accept was that Qing Yuping was currently receiving congratulations from the senior executives.

"The second young master is truly young and promising, securing the biggest project the company has seen in half a year. Truly a joyous occasion."

"I will need everyone's guidance in the future."

"It is we who will have to rely on you, second young master. Hahahaha..."

Compared to the attention Qing Yuping was receiving, Qing Qi was ignored. Almost everyone had concluded that he had become the loser in the contest with Qing Yuping and would find it hard to make a comeback.

Qing Yuping glanced at Qing Qi, who was walking toward him, and called out, "Brother."

Qing Qi walked away with a dark expression.

The news that the Qing Group had demoted Qing Qi and promoted the second son, who had only recently been acknowledged, spread through the business circle like wildfire overnight.

When Hua Qianjiao heard the news, she paused, but didn't pay it much mind, continuing her conversation with Wen Zhixia.

Wen Zhixia looked at her calm expression. "This was your father's doing, wasn't it?"

Hua Qianjiao nodded without hiding it. Her father had become convinced that Hua Qianjiao falling into the sea had everything to do with Qing Qi, and he certainly wouldn't let his daughter suffer in silence.

*Buzz, buzz, buzz—*

Wen Zhixia’s phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. When she answered, it was Auntie Zhao.

"Ma'am, the young master was beaten up at the training camp."

Wen Zhixia paused, wanting to ask how the child was, but swallowed the words back. "You should be calling Gu Pingsheng about this."

"Mr. Gu... he’s sick. He’s currently at the hospital on an IV drip. The young master’s face is bruised and cut, and the other parents are here. As a servant, I have no say. Please, come take a look. The young master, he..." Auntie Zhao was interrupted halfway through by the little boy tugging at her arm. He took the phone.

The little guy's voice was milky and tearful: "Mommy, it hurts~~"

In an instant, Wen Zhixia’s heart softened.

Half an hour later, Wen Zhixia arrived at the address.

Before she even got close, her heart tightened at the sight of the scratches and bruises on the little boy's face. The child stood beside Auntie Zhao, motionless.

Seeing Wen Zhixia arrive, his large, round eyes filled with tears, and "golden beans" of tears began to fall. "Mommy~~"

Wen Zhixia walked over and glanced at the other little boy—sturdy and fat, without a single scratch, hiding in his mother's arms and acting spoiled.

A teacher-like figure was explaining what had happened.

Wen Zhixia squatted down to check the little guy's injuries. His fair, tender face was marred, looking pitiful. Although she had already guessed what happened, she asked, "How did this happen?"

The teacher looked guilty. "This... you must be Youzhi’s mother, right? The two children had a bit of a disagreement."

The other boy’s mother spoke up then, showing no sign of guilt. She held her child’s hand and said with a smile: "I looked into it; it’s just a disagreement between kids, no big deal. But regardless, your son got the short end of the stick, so I’ll apologize."

Wen Zhixia looked over. Neither the adult nor the child showed any regret; the apology was clearly just to smooth things over.

Wen Zhixia wasn't someone who liked to get angry, but the other party’s attitude after hitting someone made her temper flare. "When it comes to apologies, shouldn't the person involved express something too?"

The little boy held his nose in the air, arrogant and dismissive. "Why should I apologize to him? He’s a mute who can’t even talk. I called him several times and he didn't react. I won't apologize to a fool."

The boy's mother covered his mouth, but the words were already out. "Don't talk nonsense."

Though she appeared to be scolding her son, there was no severity in it. She turned to Wen Zhixia with a smile: "He’s just a child, children say the darndest things."

Children say the darndest things?

Wen Zhixia finally understood why this little fatty was so rampant; like mother, like son. If the parent had any sense, they wouldn't spoil their child to this extent.

Wen Zhixia steadied her breathing. Though she was smiling, the smile didn't reach her eyes. "Little boy, do you know that picking on those weaker than you is the act of a coward?"

Hearing this, the boy’s mother’s expression darkened. She would discipline her own child, but being lectured by an outsider made her uncomfortable. "What kind of talk is that? You’re an adult, are you really going to bicker with a child?!"

Wen Zhixia scoffed, glancing at the woman's attire. She certainly wouldn't bicker with a child, but the adult—

"Our Tuanzi is quite badly hurt. Never mind the surface wounds on his face; he was crushed by your son's weight, so I suspect there might be internal injuries. Since you want to apologize, come with us to the hospital. I want a full check-up."

The boy’s mother laughed dismissively. How much could a hospital bill cost? But that was fine too; it would save her from being blamed if anything happened to this little fool later. "Fine, let's go. My family isn't short on that kind of money."

Wen Zhixia narrowed her eyes. As the woman walked away haughtily with her child, she glanced at Auntie Zhao: "Call your Mr. Gu. Tell him to arrange for Director Zhang and the elite team at the Provincial Hospital. I want every single test run, and I want it done thoroughly!"